If only he could get the mouse at close quarters and stop him from using the sword, Cluny thought, then he could win with his superior strength.

  They locked in combat again. Cluny barred the railing across the sword blade. Pushing with both claws he drove Matthias backwards. Now he could see victory in sight. If only he could pin the warrior mouse against the wall he would be able to throttle him with the edge of the railing. Cluny braced his feet and strained. He could feel the breath labouring raggedly within his chest; he must win! The voices had told him he would never again see the warrior after the sun set upon this day. The prophecy had to be fulfilled once and for all.

  Remorselessly he used his greater strength to drive the young mouse backwards. They were only inches from the wall now. Matthias realized what Cluny was doing. He would be finished once he was pinned against the wall.